Tambun Tulang assemblyperson Ismail Kassim is not interested in positions or titles, what more to be nominated as a candidate for Perlis menteri besar.

Ismail, who is Perlis Umno chief Shahidan Kassim's brother, was speaking to Malaysiakini about his decision to join Bersatu.

“I have no intention of becoming the menteri besar candidate again. I have accepted that I am not fated for the post.

“Even if forced or asked to do so by Mahathir (I will not agree to be the menteri besar candidate) and I believe Mahathir understands my situation. I apologise,” he added.

According to Ismail, he is comfortable with his current position as a state assemblyperson in the northern state.

However, he is willing to contest in a different state if Mahathir (above), who is also Bersatu chairperson, requests him to do so in the next election.

“Being a state assemblyperson is sufficient. What is important is that I can serve the people.

“I will welcome it if the party fields me as a candidate for a parliamentary seat or if Mahathir asks me to contest outside of Perlis,” he added.

Ismail, who announced his decision to join Bersatu yesterday, said as an experienced politician, he would be able to assist the party to face the 15th general election.

“My entry into Bersatu will help Pakatan Harapan establish itself in Perlis. Most in Harapan are newcomers and young...

“I have served in all three – state assembly, Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara. I am confident that we will be united again, the Malay race will become strong again and be respected,” he added.

Does not rule out Shahidan joining Bersatu as well

Commenting on his relationship with his brother, Ismail said while Shahidan (below) remains loyal to Umno, his decision to join Bersatu has not affected their ties.

“I respect his stand and he respects mine. We are just differentiated by party flags, but our struggle is the same.

“I did not invite him (to join Bersatu). He (Shahidan) is closer to Mahathir (than I am). So he knows when he wants to (join Bersatu) and anything can happen now,” he added.

Ismail had quit Umno in June last year following differences with the central leadership for not backing him when the Raja Perlis rejected his nomination to be menteri besar.

He has remained an independent assemblyperson since then.

Ismail is Bersatu's first assemblyperson in Perlis. PKR has three representatives, while PAS has two and BN has nine in the 15-seat state legislative assembly.